Many people misunderstand hospice care (sometimes called comfort care or end-of-life care) – what it is, who it serves, and what the results of hospice are. As hospice providers, we make it a priority for patients, prospective patients, families, and caregivers to fully understand what hospice is. In this article, we dispel some myths and provide accurate information on hospice services.
MYTH: Patients receiving hospice care give up on life and lose hope.
TRUTH: When individuals receive a life-threatening illness, they often lean into hope for a cure. Sometimes, curative treatment is not an option, or medical and surgical interventions are not effective. When an illness becomes terminal, it signals the last chapter of life, and hope may feel lost. But we have seen time and again that hope itself is not lost. But that sense of hope eventually shifts from healing the body to healing the mind and soul and maximizing quality of life. Our comfort care Medina allows patients to realize this hope and be near loved ones in a familiar setting and around personal belongings. Hospice provides skilled health care to relieve pain and manage symptoms while helping patients experience a full, peaceful, and comfortable final chapter of life.
MYTH: There is no turning back once a patient is in hospice care.
TRUTH: Patients are free to leave a hospice program at any time and for any reason. Re-admittance to a hospice program is also permitted as long as the patient meets medical eligibility.
MYTH: Hospice care facilities are where patients expect to die.
TRUTH: Most hospice patients receive care wherever they reside. This is most often a private home or apartment, but can also be an assisted living community, a skilled nursing facility, or other care facilities. Patients receiving hospice care are offered skilled medical care by trained healthcare professionals and non-medical care services to address all areas of well-being. Hospice patients expect to live well and fully before their earthly journey ends – whenever and wherever that may be.
MYTH: Hospice care ends when the patient passes away.
TRUTH: An important part of hospice care is bereavement and grief support. At Remembrance Hospice, we offer families support after the passing of their loved ones. We provide families with practical, emotional, social, and spiritual support.
MYTH: The death of patients in hospice is immediate.
TRUTH: Hospice services can be provided to patients up to six months before the expected end of life. This gives patients quality time with family, friends, and pets, as well as support from an interdisciplinary hospice team to minimize the illness and maximize the quality of life. According to the Hospice Foundation of America, most families say they wished their loved one had received hospice care much earlier in their illness. Asa hospice provider Ohio, our goal is to improve the stability and health of patients and to maximize the quality of life for however long that may be.
Hospice care does not hasten a patient’s death nor prolong life. However, some studies have shown that terminally ill patients live somewhat longer with hospice services than those with the same illness that do not receive hospice care. There is no one-size-fits-all scenario for hospice patients. Some patients’ end-of-life journey is brief. For others, it lasts many months. But every patient who receives hospice care is allowed to fully enjoy their final stage of life.
In summary, hospice care is for patients with terminal illnesses. It aims to ease pain, manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and provide end-of-life care. It is helpful to remember that patients who receive hospice care in Medina, Ohio, can still make decisions, experience joy, and create new memories. Seeking hospice care services prioritizes quality of life and overall well-being for the patient and their family.
For more information, feel free to call us at 330-952-1930.
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